Illustration til "Om Aartusinder" i H.C. Andersen, "Eventyr og Historier", Bind 2 1870 - 1873

H.P. Hansen created this illustration for H.C. Andersen's tale "Om Aartusinder" around 1873. The image captures a futuristic flying machine soaring above a turbulent sea. During the late 19th century, there was a surge of interest in technological advancements and utopian visions. Hansen's illustration taps into this spirit, reflecting both the excitement and the anxieties about the future. The flying machine, a symbol of progress, contrasts sharply with the unpredictable natural world beneath it. This tension might speak to the period's broader cultural questions about humanity's relationship with nature. Does technology liberate us or further alienate us? Notice also the scale of the machine against the vastness of the ocean, perhaps inviting a sense of both wonder and insignificance. The black and white medium emphasizes the stark contrast, hinting at the uncertainties that lie ahead as society hurtles into the future.